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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Graphite Pencil Circuit

    Graphite Pencil Circuit

    May 19, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    This simple science activity shows children how to draw a circuit! It’s great for learning about electricity and a fun introduction to circuits. Graphite is made up of carbon atoms with delocalised electrons which are able to move through the graphite. The electrons allow graphite to conduct electricity.

    You can demonstrate this by creating a graphite pencil circuit!

    Graphite is quite low in conductivity so remember to make your pencil lines thick and not too long.

    A very simple hand drawn graphite circuit.

    How to Make a Graphite Pencil Circuit

    You’ll need

    A graphite pencil – mine was a 6B

    Small LED

    A sheet of card

    9V battery

    Clear tape

    Pencil Circuit Instructions

    Use a graphite pencil to draw a design on a piece of card or paper. You’ll need to leave a gap in two places. One for the battery ends and one for the LED legs.

    Image of a graphite pencil circuit
    Graphite Pencil Circuit

    Attach the LED using tape to one gap in the circuit.

    Place the battery over the second gap. The positive end of the battery needs to be in the same segment of the circuit as the long leg ( positive end ) of the LED.

    I could only get my circuit to light a very small LED, but plan to experiment further with different pencils.

    Graphite Pencil Circuit Instructions

    Troubleshooting your circuit

    • Check the battery lights the LED without the graphite. You’ll need a couple of wires with crocodile clips to test.
    • Try making the pencil lines thicker.
    Pencil circuit drawing with an LED

    Extra Challenges – Graphite Pencil Circuits

    Experiment with different pencils and circuit shapes to find the best combination.

    Does a lower voltage battery work?

    Can you create a circuit using 2 or more LEDs?

    More Electricity Projects for Kids

    If you liked this activity, you’ll love making play dough circuits which are another very visual way to learn about electricity.

    Or, try one of my other easy electricity projects.

    Circuit made using a graphite pencil, battery and LED
    Graphite Circuits

    Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

    « How many lemons does it take to light a bulb?
    Easy Electricity Projects for Kids »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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